Restoration Churches have a history of carefully examining scripture and wrestling with its meaning and application. Sound reasoning and living discipleship (1 Tim 4:16) have also set the movement apart. Many times the Restoration Movement has wisely rejected pop theology and trendy religion and cultural pressure. Despite these positive characteristics, Stone-Campbell descendents also have an unsavory tendency to judge and divide over issues, great and small.

Before jumping into what is disputable, what is not disputable must be determined. Who God is (theology) and how to relate to him (salvation doctrine) are two areas which are not subject to opinions, but must be seen in light of facts.  Hebrews 11:6 sums up the criticality of the previous statement. Faith is not only a necessary element in our relationship with God, but our perception of the Lord (“exists and rewards”) is also critical. Components which fall into the “who God is and how to relate to him” category; baptism, repentance, God’s wrath, God’s love, Jesus’ divinity, Jesus’ humanity, faith, obedience, love God, love people, etc… Matthew 4 demonstrates Satan attempting to deceive Jesus by presenting opinions as facts. Jesus summarily responds with facts from Deuteronomy. Our theology and salvation doctrine must find its foundation in facts and not opinions; these are not disputable.